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It’s that time of year. It seems like everyone around you is sniffing, sneezing, coughing and everything in between. It can make you feel like you’re walking around in a pool of germs. How can you avoid it? There are tips you can apply to your daily life to boost your immune system.

Your immune system is a complex function within your body composed of a lot of different things, so the idea of boosting your entire immune system as a whole isn’t scientifically correct, but you can take steps to improve your overall health and keep your system fighting germs.

Get enough sleep. Sleep is huge for your whole body to function correctly. It helps you manage stress, which could suppress your immune system with increased cortisol levels and keep your body fighting hard.

Avoid tobacco smoke. It undermines the basic immune functions and raises the risk of sicknesses in everyone, including children by secondhand smoke.

Drink less alcohol. Excessive drinking impairs the immune system. During the time that sickness is on a rise, it could be wise to ditch the wine and beer at dinner time to keep you healthy. You could try a Kombucha, not only are they healthy for your gut, it could give you a fix for craving an adult beverage.

Eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats. These will provide the nutrients your body needs to keep fighting illnesses. Avoid processed foods, fried foods and try eating at home more often.

Get some sunshine. A little time outside can increase your vitamin D levels. Lower vitamin D levels correlate with a greater risk of respiratory infection. Make sure you are properly protecting yourself from the sun, as well. If you have a risk of skin cancer, you could look into vitamin D supplements.

Add vitamins into your diet. Speaking of supplements, adding some beneficial vitamins can keep you going strong throughout cold and flu season. Vitamin C and Zinc are good vitamins to add to your daily routine.

Wash your hands. This may seem obvious, but it can be a very important reminder. When you’re out in public places, you never know who is sick and what germs are floating in the air. Anytime you come home, you should make it habit to go straight to the sink and wash your hands. Avoid touching your face and use antibacterial wipes at the stores before touching common areas, like shopping carts.

Drink water. Another simple, and maybe obvious reminder, but during the colder months people often forget about drinking enough water. You want to stay hydrated to keep your body functioning at full capacity to ward off any sicknesses.

Keep yourself healthy by applying these tips to boost your immune system and keep your sick days at a minimum!

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